By Kristen Burgess

Networking and getting to know new people is important for success, but initial small talk can be overwhelming for many people. How can you confidently make small talk with somebody – a person who could become an important business contact? If you keep several basic things in mind, you can be confident in any situation where you need to make small talk.

First, be ready to introduce yourself. Your name is always the best way to start a conversation. Avoiding introductions seems to begin in childhood. When I ask my children the name of the friend they’ve made at the park, they usually just stare at me. It seems that introductions are not even considered. This remains true into adulthood.

If you’re with somebody you know, they may introduce you, but don’t count on it. The first thing you should be ready to say is your name. Say it clearly and with a smile. If you have an unusual name be sure to make the pronunciation clear. People want to say your name correctly, and confidently and clearly saying your name helps them. Say your name clearly.

Take a good look at the other person during the introductions. Don’t linger or take to long, but do look over them and find something to compliment. They may have a great smile, remarkable eyes, or a nice bracelet or watch. Find something you can genuinely compliment. Even the other person’s name is a good thing.

Use their name when you give the compliment: “I love that bracelet, Jean.” “Todd, that’s a great tie.” This helps you remember their name and it enhances the compliment for the other person.

This simple technique may help launch you into a conversation about the complimented feature or accessory. If so, you’re off and running and keep up the conversation.

If things putter out, or you get a simple “thanks” you can go ahead with another question. Asking somebody where they’re from is a great question. Many people like to share where they are from, or where they grew up. If they have negative feelings about it, ask them where their favorite place is. Favorite vacation spots are another good topic. You can look for something in common with this – maybe they love the beach and you also love the beach, or you love to swim, etc. These are good places to look for ways to continue the conversation.

Other topics are where the person went to college or graduate school, or you can ask them what they do for a living. Most people like to share these things. Generally these topics will bring you some common ground to talk about, or they will help you lead into the topics you’d really like to cover.

Small talk can take some practice. If you’re going to a seminar, conference, or other networking event it can pay off to practice first. Practice with your spouse, or even in front a mirror. Practice saying your name confidently, and moving into a compliment and further conversation. Also take some time and imagine yourself meeting new people and chatting with them confidently. Your mind believes these are actual “practice sessions” and they’ll develop your confidence so you do well in real situations.

Kristen loves writing, and she’s especially fond of anything baby. Visit her newest site which covers how to use a baby food mill and how to pick the best baby food jars.

Article Source:  Making Confident and Effective Small Talk


Related posts:

  1. Three Steps to Empower Your Self Talk By Kimberly Rex The Four Agreements written by Don Miguel Ruiz starts with “Be impeccable with your word.” This is the first agreement. What does this mean? He says that not only do your words have the power to create something outside, but also inside. Our words can build or tear apart. According to Carolyn Myss,”Dis-empowering [...]...
  2. Overcoming Loneliness – Five Tips to Making Friends in Later Life By Chris Moon-Willems To overcome loneliness, we need good friends around us. Whilst the need for close relationships does not diminish as we grow older, the opportunity and means for making friends does. If we lose a partner for whatever reason, sometimes relationships we shared with them are lost or damaged and the fear of feeling [...]...
  3. Making Our Surface Selves Look Better By James Jolie We have become consumed about making our surface selves look better. But these things will not make you happy or change your life. If you think material possessions are what a successful life is all about you will spend your entire lifetime chasing this dream. As you achieve more and more, you [...]...
  4. 3 Effective Tips to Stop Procrastination By Voranc Kutnik What is procrastination? Procrastination is putting off things that you should be focusing on right now, in favor of doing something more enjoyable. There is nothing wrong with little escape from time to time, but if you procrastinate too much you will not get the most important things done. There are many reasons why people [...]...
  5. Tips For Listening More Effectively By Randall Spitz Listening skills are essential for us to communicate with others. It is imperative to have good listening skills to become successful in relationships. It is important in every aspect of our life, at work, at school and at home as well. Being a good communicator does not mean that you are a good listener [...]...